WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Most of the Department of Defense civilian workforce will undergo furloughs of up to 11 days beginning this summer, according to a new message from U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to federal employees. Furloughs will begin no earlier than July 8, allowing managers enough time to give their employees required notification.
In a press release dated May 14, Hagel said civilians who are deployed or temporarily assigned to a combat zone will be exempt from the cuts, along with a few other exceptions dictated by law.
“I have made this decision very reluctantly because I know that the furloughs will disrupt lives and impact DOD operations,” said Hagel. “I recognize the significant hardship this places on you and your families.”
The furloughs are a result of sequestration, a law that went into effect March 1. It imposes across-the-board cuts on DOD and other federal agencies.
The DOD had originally planned for furloughs lasting up to 22 days, then reduced that number to 14. Hagel said they were able to roll back those cuts further through “vigorous efforts to meet our budgetary shortfalls through actions other than furlough.”
Still, the DOD is short more than $30 billion in its operation and maintenance accounts, which are the source of most civilian pay. The shortfall has been exacerbated by higher than expected wartime operating costs, said Hagel.
Most workers can expect one furlough day per week, continuing through the end of the current fiscal year.
Managers for individual organizations have been given the authority to develop their own procedures to minimize the possible adverse impact on operations.
“The president and I are deeply appreciative of your patience, your hard work, and your dedication and contributions to the critical mission of helping protect America’s national security,” said Hagel. “I am counting on all of you to stay focused on this vital mission in the days ahead.”
Hagel emphasized that furloughs are, and will remain, a last resort. “If our budgetary situation permits us to end furloughs early, I would strongly prefer to do so,” he said. “That is a decision I will make later in the year.”